"OLD PHOTO" ~ FOLLOW UP FROM JUNE 2011

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

This is a follow up regarding a thread I started last June of 2011. I'm sure some of you will recall it.

Here's the link to the original thread for those who wish to review it.

Original Thread: Old Photo

http://forum.treasurenet.com/index.p...,408914.0.html



The reason for this follow up is because this afternoon I received a peraonal message from an individual who started out by saying ...

"My background is in photographic identification of the old west and I am trained in illustration, computer digital graphic arts, photographic forensics."

He then continued by informing me that my colored portrait is that of ...

Ben Thompson

Ben Thompson was a Texas lawman and, considered by many, a ruthless outlaw.

You can read all about Ben Thompson here:
http://www.jcs-group.com/oldwest/sinners/thompson.html


The individual was certain that my portrait is Ben Thompson, and possibly worth as much as $750.00. But I must admit I am somewhat skeptical of his claim, and that it will likely need considerbly more research to confirm.

Compare the following pictures and see what you think. The first one is of the portrait, and the others are originals of Ben Thompson. I will say one thing though, those odd looking eyes look about right. But I am not going to jump to conclusions here and plan to do the research I mentioned before doing anything else.

I will keep you posted on what I come up with. In the meantime, I welcome all opinions and comments.

Thanks.

SODABOTTLEBOB

[Bigcypresshunter]

I would sell it to him lol. Interesting. What are the chances? It does appear to be a similar outfit. Mustache thicker but otherwise looks pretty good..

[Breezie]

Looks good to me too; I'm with BCH, I'd sell it, and use the experts opinion as the COA. Breezie

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

Thanks for stopping by. No confirmation with my research, but working on it. In the largest picture, check out Ben Thompson's watch fob. That's a "What Is It" in itself. The fob almost looks Masonic.

SBB

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

I still have not found anything to support "100% Proof Positive" evidence that the portrait is in fact that of Bill Thompson. But I did reply to the individual who contacted me and asked him for more information, and whether he himself might be able to authenticate it? I will post what he has to say just as soon as I hear back from him.

SBB

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

Still no word from the expert guy. But I did find another picture of our mysterious ...

Ben Thompson / City Marshal / Outlaw

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

Are there any "ear" experts in the house?

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

I just received a message from the photo expert guy. The following is not the entire message, but its definitely the best part ...

~ * ~

Hello again Bob

My wife and I examine over 350,000 images a year from many different sources. Our educational background along with many years of studying photography of old west historical portraits combined with using our knowledge of comparing facial forensic details in a digital graphics medium of comparison makes us a qualified source to identify these finds. In my educated and experienced scientific photographic opinion you have a picture of Ben Thompson.

~ * ~

I'm still digesting things, and really don't know what to say at the moment. But I'm pretty excited, I can tell you that much. Plus, I almost feel like crying tears of joy if what he claims is 100% true. I hope to exchange a few more communications with him, and will be sure to report back with whatever else I may come up with.

Bob

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

I got to looking at my portrait again, and the following just dawned on me. It pertains to one of the images I posted on the original thread last summer and was a topic of discussion that was never fully resolved. The word is stamped in what appears to be ink on the very edge of the portrait. Please look at it again and tell me if you think the letters might be parts of the word ...

BEN

[Bramblefind]

Hi Bob - I'm just going to throw out a flash of a thought that came to me when I looked at the link you provided for info about Ben Thompson. It looks even more like his younger brother Billy...to me. From your link-

[SeaninNH]

I have to say that I agree... It really does look a lot like his brother.

[Bigcypresshunter]

The last 2 posts kind of ruined it all lol. Whats the chances of that? I would more tend to agree with the unknown expert. I cant remember Bob, is this a painted over photograph or a one of a kind painting?


I remember reading about a fellow that collected old photos and would match the faces with someone modern. He claimed that the same people were born every century. Just thought Id throw that in lol.


I agree with Breezie. You have a good chance of selling the photo but you need to sell while the interest is hot (or provide more proof) http://www.artbusiness.com/certaut.html


Interesting thread Bob.

[Bramblefind]

The last 2 posts kind of ruined it all lol. Whats the chances of that? I would more tend to agree with the unknown expert.

Well Billy is no slouch -he has a Wikipedia entry and everything!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_T...n_%28gunman%29

And if the expert is using facial feature forensics etc.. then it might be easy to mix up brothers - especially if the brother's photo is not as well known to the expert.

But that being said.. I will readily admit I'm no expert

[Bigcypresshunter]

The last 2 posts kind of ruined it all lol.

And if the expert is using facial feature forensics etc.. then it might be easy to mix up brothers - especially if the brother's photo is not as well known to the expert.

The price just dropped a few hundered.

[mineron]

A technique used for ID is to measure the ratio between the set of the eyes and the center of the mouth. This ratio is very specific in males.
distance of, eye line / center of mouth= eye:mouth ratio
The ears also can be used, but not as specific. From the check I did the brother is more likely the subject of the painting.

[Bigcypresshunter]

I am by no means an expert lol but to be sure maybe you could blow up both images and measure again for better accuracy? The mans mustache on the right kinda obscures his lip.

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

The only thing I can think of to add at the moment is that the photo expert guy is well aware of the brother's existence. In fact, I'm waiting now for some more pictures of Ben Thompson he is suspposed to be sending me.

Thanks for everyone's input. But how does someone "prove" such a thing irregardless if its the brother or ol' Ben himself? The way things look now, I do not believe the photo guy is prepared to provide me with documented proof. But rather, just a professional "opinion."

SBB

[Bigcypresshunter]

The only thing I can think of to add at the moment is that the photo expert guy is well aware of the brother's existence. In fact, I'm waiting now for some more pictures of Ben Thompson he is suspposed to be sending me.

Thats nice of him to help.

[SODABOTTLEBOB]

The one thing more than anything else that's running through my head right now is ...

Why would an individual (whose personal email address I have) and who appears to have the proper credentials, want to yank my chain with such a claim if it were not true? Is he just a crackpot of some kind who goes around blowing people's minds?

SBB

[Bigcypresshunter]

I think its a very good chance that this picture you found is the famous Ben Thompson. I think its a lesser chance to be his brother.

It may be a 1 in a miliion find but you found it.

Bob is it a painted photo or a painting?

Nufires ratio is also very interesting but I think the mustache obscures the lip and the mouth line on the right pic is too low. Go back and look for yourself.